Spherical sand separators

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for separating natural gas from production streams comprising a liquid dispersion of water, sand, and natural gas is provided for. The separator comprises a vessel having an interior surface defining a spherical interior space. The interior space allows a production stream introduced therein to experience a velocity drop sufficient to allow separation of the natural gas from the sand and water components. The separator also comprises a stream inlet port in the vessel, a liquid drain in the lower end of the vessel, and a gas outlet port at the upper end of the vessel remote from the stream inlet port. A baffle is mounted in the interior of the vessel in the path of the production stream between the stream inlet port and the gas outlet port. The baffle is effective to spread and direct a high pressure production stream introduced into the interior space via the stream inlet port downward toward the liquid drain.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to separators used in natural gas wellcompletion and production operations and, and more particularly, tospherical sand separators particularly suited for use in separatingnatural gas from high pressure, high velocity production streamscontaining relatively large quantities of water and sand.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hydrocarbons, such as oil and gas, may be recovered from various typesof subsurface geological formations. Such formations typically consistof a porous layer, such as limestone and sands, overlaid by a nonporouslayer. Hydrocarbons cannot rise through the nonporous layer, and thus,the porous layer forms a reservoir in which hydrocarbons are able tocollect. A well is drilled through the earth until the hydrocarbonbearing formation is reached. Hydrocarbons then are able to flow fromthe porous formation into the well.

In practice, however, production from a natural gas well is rarely thatsimple. Many formations are minimally porous and do not readily allowgas to flow from the formation to a well bore. Thus, various strategieshave been devised for enhancing the flow from such formations, including“horizontal” drilling and “fracking” the formation. That is, instead ofdrilling more or less vertically through a more or less horizontallyoriented formation, techniques have been developed which allow a wellbore to be drilled horizontally along a formation. This greatlyincreases the exposure of the well bore to a formation and, therefore,reduces the distance gas must travel through the formation in order toreach the well bore.

“Fracking” is another technique designed to increase the flow of gasfrom a formation. It involves drilling one or more “injection” wells inthe vicinity of the “production” well through which natural gaseventually will be produced. Water and sand then are pumped through theinjection wells into the minimally porous formation at very highpressures such that the injected fluid is encouraged to flow toward the“production” well. This process tends to “fracture” the formation, i.e.,to open up pores and create flow paths from the formation to theproduction well.

While such techniques are very effective at ultimately increasing theflow of natural gas from a minimally porous formation, they createimmediate challenges that must be met. In particular, the largequantities of water, sand, and other liquid and particulate additivesthat are injected into the formation during fracking eventually must beallowed to flow out of the formation. Also, since the well bore ispassing horizontally through a fractured formation, the amount ofparticulate matter falling out from the formation itself is much greaterthan would be encountered with a vertical well or from an unfracturedformation. The vast majority of the water and sand eventually will passout of the well and the stream flowing from the production well will berelatively clean to natural gas. During the initial phase of productionfrom such wells, however, the stream is typically a liquid dispersioncontaining not only natural gas, but also large quantities of water,sand, and any other additives that were injected into the well duringfracking. That water and sand must be removed in order to process thenatural gas and render it suitable for distribution and use.

It also will be appreciated that it is important to achieve effectiveremoval of both water and sand from a production stream. Natural gasmust pass through a variety of processing equipment and transmissionpipelines before it is actually used. Entrained sand can be verycorrosive to such systems, especially the various valves, chokes, anddryers typically incorporated into such systems. Liquid water also iscorrosive, particularly as it may absorb various chemicals originatingin the well that can render it acidic. Since the gas typically willexperience pressure drops as it is processed and transported, watervapor will condense in the system unless it has been reduced.

Conventional apparatus, commonly referred to as sand separators,typically are cylindrically shaped, vertically oriented vessels. Aproduction stream is introduced at the upper end of the vessel throughan inlet port. The interior of the vessel is sized to allow theproduction stream to experience a sufficiently large velocity drop suchthat natural gas will separate. A vertical divider plate, whichtypically extends down the middle of the cylinder between the inlet portand the gas port for approximately ¾ of the length of the cylinder,forces fluid flow past a drain located at the bottom of the cylinder.The water and sand components of the stream are allowed to exit thebottom of the vessel through the drain while the gas rises back to thetop of the vessel and eventually out of the vessel via a gas port.

While such conventional sand separators have been generally effectivewhere the production stream has relatively lower pressures and flowrates and has relatively little sand and water, they are not well suitedto high pressure, high velocity streams containing relatively largequantities of sand and water as are more and more commonly encountered.Such separators allow high pressure streams tend to blow out too muchsand and water.

It also will be appreciated that sand separators typically arefabricated from cast steel and are on the order of 16 to 24 inches(O.D.) in diameter, 5 to 8 feet in length, and have wall thicknesses offrom about 2 to 3 inches or more. Thus, the amount of material requiredfor fabrication is substantial, as is the weight of such apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention provides for an apparatus and methods forseparating natural gas from high pressure, high velocity productionstreams comprising a liquid dispersion of water, sand, and natural gas.The separator comprises a vessel having an interior surface defining aspherical interior space. The interior space allows a production streamintroduced therein to experience a velocity drop sufficient to allowseparation of the natural gas from the sand and water components. Theseparator also comprises a stream inlet port in the vessel, a liquiddrain in the lower end of the vessel, and a gas outlet port at the upperend of the vessel remote from the stream inlet port. A baffle is mountedin the interior of the vessel in the path of the production streambetween the stream inlet port and the gas outlet port. The baffle iseffective to spread the flow of and to direct a production streamintroduced into the interior space via the stream inlet port downwardtoward the liquid drain.

It will be appreciated that such vessels have provided excellent resultsin separating such high pressure, high velocity production streams. Byproviding a spherical vessel the novel apparatus may be safely operatedat higher pressures relative to comparably fabricated separators havinga cylindrical vessel of equivalent volume and comparable flow profiles.Put another way, because the novel apparatus have a spherical vesselthey may be fabricated with thinner walls and less material than acylindrical separator capable of accommodating equivalent pressures.Similarly, because the novel separators have a spherical vessel they mayprovide an equivalent volume and better flow patterns for gasseparation, yet they are more compact, require less material for theirfabrication, and are lighter and more easily handled than cylindricallyshaped separators.

Alternate embodiments of the invention have inlet ports withreplaceable, releaseably mounted nozzles. Other embodiments havereplaceable, sacrificial deflectors, such as may be mounted on the tipof a releaseably mounted nozzle to manage the erosive effects of sandpassing through the separators. Still other embodiments incorporatemeans for minimizing the formation of a vortex in the vicinity of thedrain port, such as a vortex breaker. Such vortex breakers help minimizeflow of gas through the drain port. Additional embodiments, and benefitsand advantages of the novel separators will become apparent uponreference to the drawings and detailed description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment 10 of the sandseparators of the subject invention showing the preferred separator 10as it may be installed in a production pipeline;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the sand separator 10 shown in FIG.1 taken along line 2-2 thereof;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the sand separator 10 shown in FIG.1 taken along line 3-3 thereof;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, plan view of a replaceable nozzle 21 comprised bythe sand separator 10;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, top plan view of a vortex breaker 60 comprised bythe separator 10;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the vortex breaker 60 shown in FIG.5; and

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of an inlet deflector 40 comprised by theseparator 10.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The apparatus of the subject invention, such as the preferred embodiment10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, are designed to effectively separatenatural gas from production streams, especially high pressure, highvelocity production streams, comprising water and sand. In particular,they are adapted to handle high pressure, high velocity productionstreams such as a produced in the early stages of production from ahorizontal well that has been fractured. Such streams typically will beproduced, at least initially, at pressures in the range of from 3,000 to5,000 psi, and more and more commonly up to 10,000 psi. The flow ratesthrough a typical 3 or 4 inch production line can approach a millioncubic feet per hour or more. It will be readily appreciated that thecorresponding velocity of those production streams is extremely high.

During the initial stages of production the stream from such wellstypically is in the form of a liquid dispersion with water being themajor phase. The stream also may comprise other liquid and dissolvedcomponents that were either released naturally by the well or added tothe injection fluid. As used herein, “water” shall be understood asincluding not only water per se; but also the liquid phase in generaland its various components. Those high pressure production streams alsocomprise large concentrations of sand dispersed in the liquid phase. Thesand may have been injected into the well during fracturing or it mayhave been released by the formation. Accordingly, “sand” shall beunderstood as encompassing not only sand, but also any other particulatematter present in the production stream.

In general, the novel apparatus comprise a vessel having an interiorsurface defining a spherical interior space. The spherical interiorspace allows a high pressure, high velocity natural gas productionstream introduced into the interior space to experience a velocity dropsufficient to allow separation of natural gas from the sand and watercomponents. The separator also comprises a stream inlet port, a liquiddrain in the lower end of the vessel, and a gas outlet port in the upperend of the vessel remote from the inlet port. A baffle is mounted in theinterior of the vessel between the stream inlet port and the gas outletport. The baffle serves to expand and direct a stream introduced intothe interior of the separator toward the liquid drain.

A brief overview of the apparatus and methods of the subject inventionmay be provided by reference to FIG. 1, which is a perspective view of apreferred embodiment 10 of the novel separators installed in aproduction pipeline. As will be discussed in further detail below, aproduction stream passing through pipeline 1 is introduced into theseparator 10 via a stream inlet port 20. The natural gas component ofthe production stream is then separated and allowed to flow out ofseparator 10 through a gas outlet port 70 and into a pipeline 2. Thewater and sand components of the production stream are allowed to drainout of separator 10 via a liquid drain 50 and a drain pipeline 3.

Vessel

More particularly, the apparatus of the subject invention comprise meansfor receiving and containing a production stream and allowing theproduction stream to experience a velocity drop sufficient to allowseparation of natural gas from the sand and water components of saidstream, such as a vessel. The vessel or other container means defines aspherical interior space having a vertical axis.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, it may be seen that preferredembodiment 10 comprises a vessel 11 having an interior surface thatdefines a spherical interior space with a vertical axis Y. The interiorspace defined by vessel 11, relative to the cross-section of a streamintroduced therein, is quite large. Thus, a production stream introducedinto vessel 11 will experience a significant velocity drop. That is, thestream is introduced to a relatively long, broad flow path which allowsthe lighter natural gas to separate from the water and sand componentsof the stream. The gas thereafter will tend to rise and collect in theupper portion of vessel 11.

For example, most streams are produced from a well via 3 or 4 inch (ID)pipelines. The interior diameter of vessel 11 is 4 feet, and it definesa spherical volume of approximately 33.5 ft³. Thus, a production streamintroduced into vessel 11 will be introduced to a significantly largervolume which enables a significantly longer, broader and, mostimportantly, slower flow path which provides sufficient time to allowseparation of natural gas. It will be appreciated, however, that thenovel apparatus are not limited to such dimensions. The precise volumeprovided by the vessel may be varied significantly so long as the vesselprovides a sufficient velocity drop for separation of natural gas. Ingeneral, it is desirable to maximize the vessel volume to the greatestextent possible, as in doing so the velocity drop is greatest and, otherfactors being equal, the stream is slowed to a greater extent and betterseparation of gas may be achieved. At some point, however, theadditional cost of materials and handling issues resulting fromincreasing size and weight offset any benefits of enhanced separation.The minimum volume required to create a velocity drop sufficient toeffectively separate gas will vary most significantly according to thesize, pressure, and flow rates of the production stream.

It also will be appreciated that the vessel preferably defines, as bestmay achieved through typical manufacturing processes, a perfectlyspherical interior. The subject invention, however, contemplates somedeviation from a perfect sphere. So long as the interior issubstantially spherically shaped the benefits of the novel apparatus maybe realized.

By providing a spherical vessel the novel apparatus may be safelyoperated at higher pressures relative to comparably fabricatedseparators having a cylindrical vessel of equivalent volume. To the samepoint, but from a different perspective, because the novel apparatushave a spherical vessel they may be fabricated with thinner walls andless material than a cylindrical separator capable of accommodatingequivalent pressures. Similarly, because the novel separators have aspherical vessel they may provide an equivalent volume and longer,slower flow paths, yet they are more compact, require less material fortheir fabrication, and are lighter that are cylindrically shapedseparators.

For example, the vessel 11 of separator 10 is about 4.5 feet tall, hasan inner diameter of 4 feet, an interior volume of approximately 33.5ft³, and is fabricated from steel cast at a thickness of approximately3.25″. It is designed to safely handle pressures up to approximately5,000 psi. A cylindrical vessel having a diameter of 24 inches (O.D.)with the same wall thickness would have to be approximately 20 feet longto provide the same interior volume. Yet, especially in comparing thelower portion of the vessels, the cylindrical vessel would havesignificantly narrower flow paths and, therefore, would not decrease thestream flow nearly as much as vessel 11. Moreover, assuming the vesselsare made of the same material, the cylindrical vessel would requireapproximately 4½ times more material and weigh approximately 4½ timesmore than spherical vessel 11. Finally, the cylindrical vessel, unlikespherical vessel 11, might not provide a separator that is rated forpressures up to 5,000 p.s.i.

As seen in FIGS. 1-3, the separator 10 also comprises a cylindricalskirt 12 which supports vessel 11 when the separator 10 is installed ina production pipeline. Support skirt 12 has openings 13 of suitable sizeto allow insertion of drain line 3 which, when installed, will beconnected to liquid drain 50. Vessel 11 also is provided with lift lugs14 which may be used to lift the separator 10, e.g., during shipment orinstallation. A threaded plug 15 is received in a suitable aperture invessel 11. If desired, plug 15 may be replaced by temperature sensor,pressure sensor or other types of sensors as may be useful to monitorconditions in vessel 11.

Stream Inlet Port

The sand separators of the subject invention further comprise means forintroducing a production stream into the interior of the containermeans, such as an inlet port. The stream introduction means are providedon the container means remote from the vertical axis of the sphericalinterior space. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the illustrativesand separator 10 comprises a stream inlet port 20. The inlet port 20passes through the wall of vessel 11 at a distance from the verticalaxis Y and gas outlet port 70. Inlet port 20 provides fluidcommunication between production pipeline 1 leading from a well to theinterior of vessel 11.

Preferably, for reasons that will be discussed in greater detail below,the inlet port comprises a nozzle which provides a conduit forintroducing a production stream into the interior of the vessel andwhich is releaseably mounted to the separator. The nozzle preferably isreleaseably received in a nozzle receptacle. For example, as may be seenfrom FIG. 2, inlet port 20 of separator 10 comprises a nozzle 21 whichis received in a nozzle receptacle 30. More particularly, nozzlereceptacle 30 comprises a cylindrical body 31 that defines a cylindricalhole through which nozzle 21 may be inserted. Nozzle receptacle body 31extends through a suitably configured aperture in the wall of vessel 11located, as will be discussed in further detail below, at a point remotefrom gas outlet port.

Nozzle 21, as may be seen best in FIG. 4, comprises a cylindrical body22 defining a generally cylindrically shaped conduit through which aproduction stream may pass into the interior of vessel 11 of separator10. Nozzle body 22 has an upstream end (left) and a downstream end ortip (right). It should be noted that the conduit in nozzle body 22 inits major portion is narrower than the inner diameter of production line1 to which it is connected. Thus, the conduit tapers inwardly at itsupstream end, creating a slight constriction. Nozzle 21 was used inseparator 10 because it is a standard nozzle commonly employed in gassystems. It is not necessary, however, to provide such restrictions innozzles used in the novel separators.

Nozzle 21 also is provided with a flange 23 which, together with aflange 32 provided on receptacle body 31, may be used to secure nozzle21 to receptacle 30, e.g., via nuts and bolts (not shown) passing thoughmatching apertures (not shown) in flanges 23 and 32. Similarly, nozzle21 has a flange 24 at its upstream end which may be used to connect in asimilar manner nozzle 21 to production pipeline 1 leading from a naturalgas well.

It will be appreciated, however, that the specific manner of releaseablyconnecting a nozzle to a nozzle receptacle, or the structure of suchreleasable connections, is not a part of the subject invention.Similarly, the specific manner or apparatus used to connect the nozzleto a production pipeline is not part of the subject invention, nor arethe connections between the liquid drain and a waste line or the gasoutlet and a production pipeline. Preferably, such connections aredesigned to be releasable so that the separators may be easily installedinto a production pipeline and removed when no longer needed. Thus, thenozzle, liquid drain, and gas outlet preferably include flanges, asshown, or other means for connecting those structures to the variousconduits employed in the production system. Many suitable types ofconnections are known, and preferably the connection means incorporatedin the novel apparatus are configured to be compatible with “hammerunions” and other standard connections commonly used in natural gasproduction and processing systems.

Moreover, while it preferably comprises a nozzle and a nozzlereceptacle, the inlet port may be a simple one piece conduit, such asthe liquid drain and gas outlet discussed below. Other high pressureport designs are known and may be used as well.

Baffle

The novel sand separators also comprise means provided in the interiorof the container means for expanding the production stream anddeflecting it downward and radially outward toward the vessel interiorsurface. For example, the sand separators may comprise a baffle havingone or more interior deflector surfaces interposed in the path of aproduction stream introduced into a vessel so that the stream impingesagainst the to deflector surfaces, is spread thereby, and is encouragedto flow downward and radially outward toward the interior surface of thevessel and, ultimately, toward the liquid drain. Preferably, thedeflector means comprise a replaceable sacrificial means for spreadingand deflecting the fluid stream, such as a deflection surface mounted atthe tip of a replaceable nozzle.

For example, as may be seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, nozzle 21 has a deflector25 mounted on the interior end thereof and extending into the fluid pathof a stream exiting nozzle 21. More specifically, the tip of nozzle 21is truncated by a pair of radially opposed bevels 26 cut at angles ofapproximately 45° relative to the longitudinal axis of nozzle body 22.Nozzle deflector 25 is mounted on the upper bevel 26a. It will beappreciated that nozzle deflector 25 is an elliptically shaped plate.Deflector 25 is sized, and its upper edges are beveled such that itsprofile (relative to longitudinal axis of nozzle body 22) is coextensivewith, and in any event, no greater than the profile of nozzle body 22.That ensures that nozzle body 22 may be inserted through nozzlereceptacle 30.

It will be appreciated that deflector 25 mounted on upper bevel 26a ofnozzle tip, together with the lower bevel 26b, defines a semi-ellipticalaperture through which a stream flowing through nozzle 21 may flow intovessel 11. Since lower bevel 26b is also cut at a 45° angle, the crosssection of the semi-elliptical aperture is approximately equal to thecross section of the conduit provided by nozzle body 22, thus ensuringthat there is no constriction of a stream exiting nozzle 21.

Nozzle deflector 25 serves to deflect and disperse the production streamas it exits the tip of nozzle 21. The dispersion of the stream in turnaccelerates and enhances the separation of gas from a stream flowinginto the separator 10.

It will be appreciated that a typical stream from a newly produced well,especially a horizontal well that has been fractured, may carry largequantities of sand, and therefore can be very erosive, even of caststeel from which the separator components are made. The amount of wearover time can be significant, especially in the areas of the separatorwhere a stream exiting the nozzle first impinges. If such failure areasare accessible only by disassembling the vessel, repair of the separatorbecomes time consuming and costly. By providing a deflector on aremovable nozzle, however, such problems may be greatly minimized. Thenozzle deflector absorbs most of the energy of the exiting stream andbecomes the primary wear point. When it wears out, the nozzle may beremoved and replaced with a new nozzle. Repair of the nozzle itself alsois relatively easy as the tip may be ground down and a new deflectorwelded in place of the worn out deflector.

Thus, nozzle deflector 25, because it is mounted on replaceable nozzle21, provides a sacrificial, replaceable means within vessel 11 fordeflecting a production stream exiting inlet port 20. Deflector 25 is“sacrificial” in the sense that it is expected to wear out and fail,possibly repeatedly, over the normal service life of the separator. Italso will be understood, of course, that “replaceable” in this contextmeans that it may be replaced without disassembling or compromising thevessel itself, e.g., without cutting the vessel open to access theinterior. Although such a configuration is preferred, it is notnecessary that the sacrificial deflector be mounted on a replaceablenozzle. It may also be mounted on a cap in a manner such that when thecap is received in a complimentarily configured vessel aperture, thedeflector extends into the path of a stream exiting the inlet port.Other such means may be devised.

As may be seen from FIG. 2, nozzle deflector 25 will deflect anddisperse a stream exiting nozzle 21 downward toward an inlet deflector40. Inlet deflector 40, as will be appreciated from comparing FIGS. 2,3, and 6; is a semicircular plate mounted in the interior of vessel 11.For example, inlet deflector 40 is attached to the interior walls ofvessel 11 about its upper edges, e.g., by spot welding, and isreinforced by a V-shaped brace 41 extending between the lower end ofinlet deflector 40 and the opposing interior wall of vessel 11.

Inlet deflector 40 is situated generally in the upper half of vessel 11and forms a wall generally intersecting the substantial portion of theupper half of the interior space. It extends continuously from theinterior surfaces of vessel 11 to its lower end which extends to a leveljust above the equator of vessel 11. Its lower end is well below thelevel at which a production stream is introduced into vessel 11 and thelevel at which gas may flow out of vessel 11. Thus, any flow from streaminlet port 20 to gas outlet port 70 must flow downwards and under inletdeflector 40.

It also will be noted from FIG. 2 that inlet deflector 40 is mounted inthe path of the deflected flow of a stream exiting nozzle 21 at an anglesuch that the stream is encouraged to flow downward and radially outwardtoward the interior surface of vessel 11. Deflector 40 also helps tofurther spread the flow through the vessel 11. Ultimately, deflector 40will encourage the flow of the production stream toward the liquiddrain.

Thus, nozzle deflector 25 and inlet deflector 40 cooperate to spread andto encourage the flow of a stream introduced into vessel 11 to turndownward and radially outward toward the walls of vessel 11. As thestream flows along the vessel walls, centrifugal forces are created thattend to separate or laminate the flow of the stream. This lamination notonly encourages the much heavier sand particles to flow preferentiallyalong the vessel walls, where they may be more effectively carried outthe liquid drain, but it also encourages more rapid separation of thelighter natural gas from the stream.

Liquid Drain

The novel sand separators also comprise means provided on the bottom ofthe vessel proximate to, and preferably on the vertical axis forallowing the sand and water components to drain from the vessel, such asa liquid drain port. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, sandseparator 10 comprises a liquid drain port 50 situated in the lower endof vessel 11 on its vertical axis Y. Drain port 50 comprises acylindrical body 51 that defines a conduit through which liquid and sandcomponents of the production stream may drain from separator 10.Cylindrical body 51 extends through a suitably configured aperture inthe walls of vessel 11 and is mounted thereto, e.g., by spot welding. Ithas a flange 52 at its downstream end which may be used to connect thedrain to a waste line carrying the water and sand to an appropriatedisposal location. As with the connections between nozzle 21 andproduction pipeline 1 and nozzle receptacle 30, the precise manner orapparatus used to connect liquid drain 50 to a waste line is not part ofthe subject invention.

As discussed above, baffles provided in vessel 11 encourage the streamto flow along the vessel walls where centrifugal forces tend to separateor laminate the flow of a stream. While that flow enhances separation,the spherical shape of vessel 11 also means that flow of liquid throughthe bottom of vessel 11 may form a vortex. The presence of swirlingliquid in the vicinity of the drain will not be problematic, and in factwill tend to encourage flow of sand out of the drain. A vortex shouldnot be allowed to develop to the point where it draws gas into thedrain. Any such gas will be lost to the distribution system.

Thus, the separator also preferably comprises means for minimizing theformation of a vortex through the drain means, such as a vortex breaker.Sand separator 10, for example, comprises a vortex breaker 60 proximateto liquid drain 50. Vortex breaker 60 comprises a disc-shaped cover 61that extends over and above liquid drain 50, being supported in suchposition by a plurality of legs 62 extending between cover 61 and thebottom of vessel 11. Cover 61 will tend to prevent the formation of avortex that extends down into drain 50.

Gas Outlet Port

The sand separators of the subject invention also comprise meansprovided on the top of the container means proximate to, and preferablyon the vertical axis for allowing the natural gas component to exit thecontainer means, such as a gas outlet port at the upper end of a vessel.For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, separator 10 comprises a gasoutlet port 70 situated in the upper end of the vessel 11 on itsvertical axis Y. Gas outlet port 70 comprises a cylindrical body 71 thatdefines a conduit through which natural gas separated from theproduction stream may flow from separator 10. Cylindrical body 71extends through a suitably configured aperture in the walls of vessel 11and is mounted thereto, e.g., by spot welding. It has a flange 72 at itsdownstream end which may be used to connect gas outlet port 70 toproduction pipeline 2 transporting the natural gas to suitableprocessing and distribution facilities. As with the other connectionsdiscussed above, the precise manner or apparatus used to connect the gasoutlet port to a production pipeline is not part of the subjectinvention.

Since gas naturally tends to rise and water to sink, gas outlet port 70and liquid drain 50 preferably are located, respectively, at the top andbottom of vessel 11 on or about its vertical axis Y. In theory, ports 70and 50 could be some distance from the axis Y and still provideacceptably efficient flow, but there generally is nothing to be gainedfrom doing so. Inlet port 20 also preferably is disposed in the upperhalf of vessel 11 and generally perpendicular to vessel axis Y as thisprovides a longer flow path for the dispersed stream before it begins topool at the bottom of the vessel 11 and also allows the establishment ofsome downward flow along the vessel walls and the creation ofcentrifugal forces as described above before the flow reaches the drain50. The inlet port 20 and outlet port 70 also must be located remotefrom each other, i.e., at a sufficient distance to allow placement ofthe baffle in an effective manner.

As referenced in passing above, the various components of the novelseparators generally are fabricated from cast or extruded steel andmachined as appropriate. For example, the vessel may be fabricated fromcast steel hemispheres having suitable machined apertures which are thenwelded together. Except as noted in respect to removable components, theother components also may be welded to the vessel. A variety of steelsand other materials suitable for use in high pressure natural gaspipelines and processing equipment are known and may be used as desired.

Thus, it will be appreciated that the novel separators provide aneffective method for removing natural gas from production streams,especially high pressure, high velocity production streams containinglarge quantities of water and sand. A production stream is introducedvia an inlet port into a vessel which has a spherical interior space,such as vessel 11 of separator 10. The production stream then is spreadand directed downward and radially outward toward the exterior of thespherical space, e.g., by nozzle deflector 25 and inlet deflector 40.This not only allows the natural gas to separate from the stream, butalso encourages the formation of a laminar flow so that water in thestream can sweep sand along with it as it discharged through a drain,such as drain 50. The natural gas then rises to the top of the vesseland is released into a production conduit via an outlet port, such asgas outlet 70.

The novel separators may, and typically will be used with other controlequipment, such as chokes, valves, and the like, to control the flowinto and out of the separator. For example, shut-off valves may be usedto cut off flow to the separator so that it may be serviced. Also, achoke valve may be installed in the drain line to reduce the amount offlow out of the separator drain if the production stream increases ingas content. Likewise, water may be injected upstream of the separatorthrough suitable supply lines and valves to enhance the separation ofrelatively dry, but sandy production streams. Other control equipmentmay be used as well.

While this invention has been disclosed and discussed primarily in termsof specific embodiments thereof, it is not intended to be limitedthereto. Other modifications and embodiments will be apparent to theworker in the art.

1. An apparatus for separating natural gas from high pressure, highvelocity production streams comprising a liquid dispersion of water,sand, and natural gas, said separator comprising: (a) a vessel having aninterior surface defining a spherical interior space, said interiorspace allowing a production stream comprising a liquid dispersion ofwater, sand, and natural gas introduced therein to experience a velocitydrop sufficient to allow separation of said natural gas from said sandand water components; (b) a stream inlet port in said vessel; (c) aliquid drain in the lower end of said vessel; (d) a gas outlet port atthe upper end of said vessel remote from said stream inlet port; and (e)a baffle mounted in the interior of said vessel in the path of saidproduction stream between said stream inlet port and said gas outletport; said baffle effective to spread and direct said production streamintroduced into said interior space via said stream inlet port downwardtoward said liquid drain and to encourage the flow of said sand andwater components therethrough.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein saidstream inlet port comprises a nozzle providing a conduit for introducingsaid stream into the interior of said vessel and a nozzle receptacleextending through said vessel, said nozzle receptacle being adapted toreleaseably receive said nozzle.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinsaid baffle comprises a semicircular deflector mounted in the upper halfof said interior space between said stream inlet port and said gasoutlet port, said deflector intersecting said space from a point belowsaid ports such that fluid flow from said stream inlet port to said gasoutlet port must flow downwards and then under said deflector.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 3, wherein said separator comprises a vortex breakerproximate to said liquid drain.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinsaid separator comprises a vortex breaker proximate to said liquiddrain.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said vortex breakercomprises a cover extending over and above said liquid drain.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 5, wherein said vortex breaker comprises a discshaped cover mounted above said sand drain by a plurality of legsextending between said cover and the bottom of said vessel.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein said baffle comprises a first deflectormounted to said inlet port and extending into the path of said streamexiting said inlet port and a second deflector extending into the pathof said deflected stream.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein saidsecond deflector comprises a semicircular deflector mounted in the upperhalf of said interior space between said stream inlet port and said gasoutlet port, said deflector intersecting said space from a point belowsaid ports such that fluid flow from said stream inlet port to said gasoutlet port must flow downwards and then under said deflector.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 9, wherein said separator comprises a vortex breakerproximate to said liquid drain.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8, whereinsaid separator comprises a vortex breaker proximate to said liquiddrain.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said stream inlet portcomprises a nozzle providing a conduit for introducing said stream intothe interior of said vessel, wherein said nozzle is releaseably mountedto said separator.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said separatorcomprises a vortex breaker proximate to said liquid drain.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 12, wherein said baffle comprises a first deflectormounted to the interior end of said nozzle and extending into the fluidpath of said stream exiting said nozzle and a second deflector mountedto the interior of said vessel and extending into the fluid path of saiddeflected stream.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said seconddeflector comprises a semicircular deflector mounted in the upper halfof said interior space between said stream inlet port and said gasoutlet port, said deflector intersecting said space from a point belowsaid ports such that fluid flow from said stream inlet port to said gasoutlet port must flow downwards and then under said deflector.
 16. Theapparatus of claim 15, wherein said separator comprises a vortex breakerproximate to said liquid drain.
 17. The apparatus of claim 12, whereinsaid nozzle has a deflector mounted on the interior end thereof andextending into the fluid path of said stream exiting said nozzle. 18.The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said separator comprises a vortexbreaker proximate to said liquid drain.
 19. The apparatus of claim 17,wherein said nozzle comprises a cylindrical body having an interior endtruncated by first and second bevels and said nozzle deflector ismounted on one of said beveled surfaces.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19,wherein said nozzle deflector has a profile no greater than the profileof the nozzle body.
 21. The apparatus of claim 19, where said otherbevel provides an outlet for said nozzle having a cross section equal toor greater than the cross section of said nozzle cylindrical body. 22.The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said bevels extend at an angleapproximately equal to 45° to the axis of said cylindrical body and areradially opposed to each other.
 23. An apparatus for separating naturalgas from high pressure, high velocity production streams comprising aliquid dispersion of water, sand, and natural gas, said separatorcomprising: (a) a vessel having an interior surface that defines aspherical interior space having a vertical axis, said interior spaceallowing a production stream comprising a liquid dispersion of water,sand, and natural gas introduced therein to experience a velocity dropsufficient to allow separation of said natural gas from said sand andwater components; (b) a stream inlet port in said vessel situated remotefrom said vertical axis and in fluid communication with the interior ofsaid vessel; (c) a gas outlet port in said vessel situated proximate tothe top of said vertical axis and in fluid communication with theinterior of said vessel; (d) a liquid drain in said vessel situatedproximate to the bottom of said vertical axis and in fluid communicationwith the interior of said vessel; and (e) a baffle disposed in theinterior of said vessel between said stream inlet port and said gasoutlet port, said baffle comprising one or more deflection surfaceseffective to spread and direct said production stream upon exiting saidstream inlet port downward and radially outward toward to the interiorsurface of said vessel, thereby encouraging said liquid and sandcomponents to flow downward toward said liquid drain.
 24. An apparatusfor separating natural gas from high pressure, high velocity productionstreams comprising a liquid dispersion of water, sand, and natural gas,said separator comprising: (a) means for receiving and containing aproduction stream comprising a liquid dispersion of water, sand, andnatural gas and allowing said production stream to experience a velocitydrop sufficient to allow separation of natural gas from the sand andwater components of said stream, wherein said container means defines aspherical interior space having a vertical axis; (b) means forintroducing said production stream into said interior space of saidcontainer means, wherein said introduction means are provided on saidcontainer means remote from said vertical axis; (c) means for spreadingand deflecting said production stream downward and radially outwardtoward said vessel interior surface, wherein said deflection means areprovided in the interior of said container means; (d) means for allowingsaid sand and water components to drain from said container means,wherein said drain means are provided on the bottom of said containermeans proximate to said vertical axis; and (e) means for allowing saidnatural gas component to flow out of said container means, wherein saidoutlet means are provided on the top of said container means proximateto said vertical axis.
 25. The apparatus of claim 24, comprising meansfor minimizing the formation of a vortex through said drain means. 26.The apparatus of claim 24, comprising replaceable, sacrificial means forspreading and deflecting said production stream, said replaceable,sacrificial deflection means being disposed in the interior of saidcontainer means.
 27. The apparatus of claim 26, comprising means forminimizing the formation of a vortex through said drain means.
 28. Aprocess for separating natural gas from high pressure, high velocityproduction streams comprising a liquid dispersion of water, sand, andnatural gas, said process comprising: (a) introducing a productionstream through a stream inlet port into a vessel defining a sphericalinterior space, said interior space allowing said production stream toexperience a velocity drop sufficient to allow release of said naturalgas from said production stream; (b) spreading and directing saidproduction stream downward and radially outward toward the exterior ofsaid spherical interior space; (c) discharging said water and sandcomponents through a liquid drain at the bottom of said vessel; and (d)releasing said natural gas components into a production conduit througha gas outlet port at the top of said vessel.
 29. The process of claim28, wherein said production stream is the initial production streamfollowing a fracturing operation in a well.
 30. The process of claim 28,wherein said vessel comprises a first deflector mounted to said inletport and extending into the path of said stream exiting said inlet portand a second deflector extending into the path of said deflected stream.31. The process of claim 30, wherein said second deflector comprises asemicircular deflector mounted in the upper half of said interior spacebetween said stream inlet port and said gas outlet port, said deflectorintersecting said space from a point below said ports such that fluidflow from said stream inlet port to said gas outlet port must flowdownwards and then under said deflector.
 32. The process of claim 28,wherein said stream inlet port comprises a nozzle providing a conduitfor introducing said stream into the interior of said vessel, whereinsaid nozzle is releaseably mounted to said separator.
 33. The process ofclaim 32, wherein said nozzle has a deflector mounted on the interiorend thereof and extending into the fluid path of said stream exitingsaid nozzle.
 34. The process of claim 32, wherein said nozzle has adeflector mounted on the interior end thereof and extending into thefluid path of said stream exiting said nozzle and a said vesselcomprises a second deflector mounted to the interior of said vessel andextending into the fluid path of said deflected stream.
 35. The processof claim 34, wherein said second deflector comprises a semicirculardeflector mounted in the upper half of said interior space between saidstream inlet port and said gas outlet port, said deflector intersectingsaid space from a point below said ports such that fluid flow from saidstream inlet port to said gas outlet port must flow downwards and thenunder said deflector.
 36. An apparatus for separating natural gas fromhigh pressure, high velocity production streams comprising a liquiddispersion of water, sand, and natural gas, said separator comprising:(a) a vessel having an interior surface defining a spherical interiorspace, said interior space allowing a production stream comprising aliquid dispersion of water, sand, and natural gas introduced therein toexperience a velocity drop sufficient to allow separation of saidnatural gas from said sand and water components; (b) a stream inlet portin said vessel; (c) a liquid drain in the lower end of said vessel; (d)a gas outlet port at the upper end of said vessel remote from saidstream inlet port; and (e) a baffle mounted in the interior of saidvessel in the path of said production stream between said stream inletport and said gas outlet port; said baffle adapted to spread and directsaid production stream introduced into said interior space via saidstream inlet port to encourage the separation of said natural gas fromsaid sand and water components.
 37. The apparatus of claim 36, whereinsaid baffle comprises a first deflector mounted to said stream inletport and extending into the path of said production stream exiting saidstream inlet port.
 38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein said streaminlet port comprises a nozzle providing a conduit for introducing saidstream into the interior of said vessel and said nozzle is releaseablymounted to said separator.
 39. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein saidinlet port deflector is replaceable and is adapted to provide theprimary wear point resulting from introduction of said production streaminto said vessel.
 40. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein said streaminlet port comprises a nozzle providing a conduit for introducing saidstream into the interior of said vessel and said nozzle is releaseablymounted to said separator.
 41. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein saidseparator comprises a vortex breaker proximate to said liquid drain. 42.An apparatus for separating natural gas from high pressure, highvelocity production streams comprising a liquid dispersion of water,sand, and natural gas, said separator comprising: (a) a vessel having aninterior surface that defines a spherical interior space having avertical axis, said interior space allowing a production streamcomprising a liquid dispersion of water, sand, and natural gasintroduced therein to experience a velocity drop sufficient to allowseparation of said natural gas from said sand and water components; (b)a stream inlet port in said vessel situated remote from said verticalaxis and in fluid communication with the interior of said vessel; (c) agas outlet port in said vessel situated proximate to the top of saidvertical axis and in fluid communication with the interior of saidvessel; (d) a liquid drain in said vessel situated proximate to thebottom of said vertical axis and in fluid communication with theinterior of said vessel; and (e) a baffle disposed in the interior ofsaid vessel between said stream inlet port and said gas outlet port,said baffle comprising one or more deflection surfaces adapted to spreadand direct said production stream upon exiting said stream inlet port toencourage the separation of said natural gas from said sand and watercomponents.
 43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said baffle comprisesa first deflector mounted to said stream inlet port and extending intothe path of said production stream exiting said stream inlet port. 44.The apparatus of claim 43, wherein said stream inlet port comprises anozzle providing a conduit for introducing said stream into the interiorof said vessel and said nozzle is releaseably mounted to said separator.45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein said inlet port deflector isreplaceable and is adapted to provide the primary wear point resultingfrom introduction of said production stream into said vessel.
 46. Theapparatus of claim 42, wherein said stream inlet port comprises a nozzleproviding a conduit for introducing said stream into the interior ofsaid vessel and said nozzle is releaseably mounted to said separator.47. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said separator comprises a vortexbreaker proximate to said liquid drain.
 48. An apparatus for separatingnatural gas from high pressure, high velocity production streamscomprising a liquid dispersion of water, sand, and natural gas, saidseparator comprising: (a) means for receiving and containing aproduction stream comprising a liquid dispersion of water, sand, andnatural gas and allowing said production stream to experience a velocitydrop sufficient to allow separation of said natural gas from said sandand water components of said stream, wherein said container meansdefines a spherical interior space having a vertical axis; (b) means forintroducing said production stream into said interior space of saidcontainer means, wherein said introduction means are provided on saidcontainer means remote from said vertical axis; (c) deflection means forspreading and deflecting said production stream, wherein said deflectionmeans are provided in the interior of said container means; (d) meansfor allowing said sand and water components to drain from said containermeans, wherein said drain means are provided on the bottom of saidcontainer means proximate to said vertical axis; and (e) means forallowing said natural gas component to flow out of said container means,wherein said outlet means are provided on the top of said containermeans proximate to said vertical axis.
 49. The apparatus of claim 48,wherein said deflection means comprises a first deflector mounted tosaid introduction means and extending into the path of said productionstream exiting said introduction means.
 50. The apparatus of claim 49,wherein said introduction means comprises a nozzle providing a conduitfor introducing said stream into the interior of said container meansand said nozzle is releaseably mounted to said container means.
 51. Theapparatus of claim 50, wherein said introduction means deflector isreplaceable and is adapted to provide the primary wear point resultingfrom introduction of said production stream into said vessel.
 52. Theapparatus of claim 48, wherein said introduction means comprises anozzle providing a conduit for introducing said stream into the interiorof said container means and said nozzle is releaseably mounted to saidcontainer means.
 53. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein said apparatuscomprises means for minimizing the formation of a vortex through saiddrain means.
 54. A process for separating natural gas from highpressure, high velocity production streams comprising a liquiddispersion of water, sand, and natural gas, said process comprising: (a)introducing a production stream through a stream inlet port into avessel defining a spherical interior space, said interior space allowingsaid production stream to experience a velocity drop sufficient to allowrelease of said natural gas from said production stream; (b) spreadingand directing said production stream to encourage separation of saidnatural gas component from said sand and water components; (c)discharging said water and sand components through a liquid drain at thebottom of said vessel; and (d) releasing said natural gas componentsinto a production conduit through a gas outlet port at the top of saidvessel.
 55. The process of claim 54, wherein said vessel comprises afirst deflector mounted to said stream inlet port and extending into thepath of said production stream exiting said stream inlet port.
 56. Theprocess of claim 55, wherein said stream inlet port comprises a nozzleproviding a conduit for introducing said stream into the interior ofsaid vessel and said nozzle is releaseably mounted to said vessel. 57.The process of claim 56, wherein said inlet port deflector isreplaceable and is adapted to provide the primary wear point resultingfrom introduction of said production stream into said vessel.
 58. Theprocess of claim 54, wherein said stream inlet port comprises a nozzleproviding a conduit for introducing said stream into the interior ofsaid vessel and said nozzle is releaseably mounted to said vessel. 59.The process of claim 54, wherein said vessel comprises a vortex breakerproximate to said liquid drain.
 60. An improved separator for separatingnatural gas from high pressure, high velocity production streamscomprising a liquid dispersion of water, sand, and natural gascomprising a vessel, an inlet port adapted to allow introduction of saidproduction stream into said vessel, baffles provided in the interior ofsaid vessel, said vessel and said baffles adapted to allow separation ofsaid natural gas component from said water and sand components, a gasoutlet port adapted to allow release of said natural gas component, anda liquid drain adapted to allow discharge of said water and sandcomponents, wherein the improvement comprises a spherical vessel. 61.The improved separator of claim 60, wherein said improvement furthercomprises a deflector mounted to said inlet port and extending into thepath of said production stream exiting said inlet port.
 62. The improvedseparator of claim 61, wherein said improvement further comprises aninlet port comprising a nozzle providing a conduit for introducing saidstream into the interior of said vessel and said nozzle is releaseablymounted to said vessel.
 63. The improved separator of claim 62, whereinsaid inlet port deflector is replaceable and is adapted to provide theprimary wear point resulting from introduction of said production streaminto said vessel.
 64. The improved separator of claim 60, wherein saidimprovement further comprises an inlet port comprising a nozzleproviding a conduit for introducing said stream into the interior ofsaid vessel and said nozzle is releaseably mounted to said vessel. 65.The improved separator of claim 60, wherein said improvement furthercomprises a vortex breaker.
 66. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein saidbaffle comprises a semicircular deflector mounted in the upper half ofsaid interior space between said stream inlet port and said gas outletport, said deflector intersecting said space from a point below saidports such that fluid flow from said stream inlet port to said gasoutlet port must flow downwards and then under said deflector.
 67. Theapparatus of claim 37, wherein said baffle comprises a semicirculardeflector mounted in the upper half of said interior space between saidstream inlet port and said gas outlet port, said deflector intersectingsaid space from a point below said ports such that fluid flow from saidstream inlet port to said gas outlet port must flow downwards and thenunder said deflector.
 68. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein said bafflecomprises a semicircular deflector mounted in the upper half of saidinterior space between said stream inlet port and said gas outlet port,said deflector intersecting said space from a point below said portssuch that fluid flow from said stream inlet port to said gas outlet portmust flow downwards and then under said deflector.
 69. The apparatus ofclaim 37, wherein said apparatus further comprises a vortex breaker. 70.The apparatus of claim 38, wherein said nozzle comprises a cylindricalbody having an interior end truncated by first and second bevels andsaid inlet port deflector is mounted on one of said beveled surfaces.71. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein said nozzle comprises acylindrical body having an interior end truncated by first and secondbevels and said inlet port deflector is mounted on one of said beveledsurfaces.
 72. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein said nozzle comprises acylindrical body and said inlet port deflector has a profile no greaterthan the profile of the nozzle body.
 73. The apparatus of claim 68,wherein said nozzle comprises a cylindrical body and said inlet portdeflector has a profile no greater than the profile of the nozzle body.74. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said baffle comprises asemicircular deflector mounted in the upper half of said interior spacebetween said stream inlet port and said gas outlet port, said deflectorintersecting said space from a point below said ports such that fluidflow from said stream inlet port to said gas outlet port must flowdownwards and then under said deflector.
 75. The apparatus of claim 43,wherein said baffle comprises a semicircular deflector mounted in theupper half of said interior space between said stream inlet port andsaid gas outlet port, said deflector intersecting said space from apoint below said ports such that fluid flow from said stream inlet portto said gas outlet port must flow downwards and then under saiddeflector.
 76. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein said baffle comprisesa semicircular deflector mounted in the upper half of said interiorspace between said stream inlet port and said gas outlet port, saiddeflector intersecting said space from a point below said ports suchthat fluid flow from said stream inlet port to said gas outlet port mustflow downwards and then under said deflector.
 77. The apparatus of claim43, wherein said apparatus further comprises a vortex breaker.
 78. Theapparatus of claim 44, wherein said nozzle comprises a cylindrical bodyhaving an interior end truncated by first and second bevels and saidinlet port deflector is mounted on one of said beveled surfaces.
 79. Theapparatus of claim 76, wherein said nozzle comprises a cylindrical bodyhaving an interior end truncated by first and second bevels and saidinlet port deflector is mounted on one of said beveled surfaces.
 80. Theapparatus of claim 44, wherein said nozzle comprises a cylindrical bodyand said inlet port deflector has a profile no greater than the profileof the nozzle body.
 81. The apparatus of claim 76, wherein said nozzlecomprises a cylindrical body and said inlet port deflector has a profileno greater than the profile of the nozzle body.
 82. The apparatus ofclaim 48, wherein said deflection means comprises a semicirculardeflector mounted in the upper half of the interior space between saidintroduction means and said outlet means, said deflector intersectingsaid space from a point below said introduction means and said outletmeans such that fluid flow from said introduction means to said outletmeans must flow downwards and then under said deflector.
 83. Theapparatus of claim 49, wherein said deflection means comprises asemicircular deflector mounted in the upper half of said interior spacebetween said introduction means and said outlet means, said deflectorintersecting said space from a point below said introduction means andsaid outlet means such that fluid flow from said introduction means tosaid outlet means must flow downwards and then under said deflector. 84.The apparatus of claim 50, wherein said deflection means comprises asemicircular deflector mounted in the upper half of said interior spacebetween said introduction means and said outlet means, said deflectorintersecting said space from a point below said introduction means andsaid outlet means such that fluid flow from said introduction means tosaid outlet means must flow downwards and then under said deflector. 85.The apparatus of claim 49, wherein said apparatus further comprisesmeans for minimizing the formation of a vortex through said drain means.86. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein said nozzle comprises acylindrical body having an interior end truncated by first and secondbevels and said introduction means deflector is mounted on one of saidbeveled surfaces.
 87. The apparatus of claim 84, wherein said nozzlecomprises a cylindrical body having an interior end truncated by firstand second bevels and said introduction means deflector is mounted onone of said beveled surfaces.
 88. The apparatus of claim 50, whereinsaid nozzle comprises a cylindrical body and said introduction meansdeflector has a profile no greater than the profile of the nozzle body.89. The apparatus of claim 84, wherein said nozzle comprises acylindrical body and said introduction means deflector has a profile nogreater than the profile of the nozzle body.
 90. The apparatus of claim54, wherein said baffle comprises a semicircular deflector mounted inthe upper half of said interior space between said stream inlet port andsaid gas outlet port, said deflector intersecting said space from apoint below said ports such that fluid flow from said stream inlet portto said gas outlet port must flow downwards and then under saiddeflector.
 91. The apparatus of claim 55, wherein said baffle comprisesa semicircular deflector mounted in the upper half of said interiorspace between said stream inlet port and said gas outlet port, saiddeflector intersecting said space from a point below said ports suchthat fluid from said stream inlet port to said gas outlet port must flowdownwards and then under said deflector.
 92. The apparatus of claim 56,wherein said baffle comprises a semicircular deflector mounted in theupper half of said interior space between said stream inlet port andsaid gas outlet port, said deflector intersecting said space from apoint below said ports such that fluid flow from said stream inlet portto said gas outlet port must flow downwards and then under saiddeflector.
 93. The apparatus of claim 55, wherein said apparatus furthercomprises a vortex breaker proximate to said liquid drain.
 94. Theapparatus of claim 56, wherein said nozzle comprises a cylindrical bodyhaving an interior end truncated by first and second bevels and saidinlet port deflector is mounted on one of said beveled surfaces.
 95. Theapparatus of claim 92, wherein said nozzle comprises a cylindrical bodyhaving an interior end truncated by first and second bevels and saidinlet port deflector is mounted on one of said beveled surfaces.
 96. Theapparatus of claim 56, wherein said nozzle comprises a cylindrical bodyand said inlet port deflector has a profile no greater than the profileof the nozzle body.
 97. The apparatus of claim 92, wherein said nozzlecomprises a cylindrical body and said inlet port deflector has a profileno greater than the profile of the nozzle body.
 98. The apparatus ofclaim 60, wherein said improvement further comprises a semicirculardeflector mounted in the upper half of said interior space between saidstream inlet port and said gas outlet port, said deflector intersectingthe interior of said vessel from a point below said ports such thatfluid flow from said stream inlet port to said gas outlet port must flowdownwards and then under said deflector.
 99. The apparatus of claim 61,wherein said improvement further comprises a semicircular deflectormounted in the upper half of said interior space between said streaminlet port and said gas outlet port, said deflector intersecting theinterior of said vessel from a point below said ports such that fluidflow from said stream inlet port to said gas outlet port must flowdownwards and then under said deflector.
 100. The apparatus of claim 62,wherein said improvement further comprises a semicircular deflectormounted in the upper half of said interior space between said streaminlet port and said gas outlet port, said deflector intersecting theinterior of said vessel from a point below said ports such that fluidflow from said stream inlet port to said gas outlet port must flowdownwards and then under said deflector.
 101. The apparatus of claim 61,wherein said improvement further comprises a vortex breaker proximate tosaid liquid drain.
 102. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein said nozzlecomprises a cylindrical body having an interior end truncated by firstand second bevels and said inlet port deflector is mounted on one ofsaid beveled surfaces.
 103. The apparatus of claim 100, wherein saidnozzle comprises a cylindrical body having an interior end truncated byfirst and second bevels and said inlet port deflector is mounted on oneof said beveled surfaces.
 104. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein saidnozzle comprises a cylindrical body and said inlet port deflector has aprofile no greater than the profile of the nozzle body.
 105. Theapparatus of claim 100, wherein said nozzle comprises a cylindrical bodyand said inlet port deflector has a profile no greater than the profileof the nozzle body.